Blue Jays manager John Schneider implemented several changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s Game 2 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Infielder Bo Bichette, who returned to action for the first time in seven weeks during Toronto’s 11-4 victory in Game 1, was available to come off the bench. Isiah Kiner-Falefa was positioned at second base, while outfielders Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger replaced Davis Schneider and Myles Straw.
Though typically a shortstop, Bichette made his initial major league start at second base after being added to the 26-man roster prior to Game 1, having previously been sidelined due to a left knee sprain.
“After being out for a while, I didn’t want to overwhelm him,” Schneider remarked during a pre-game media session from his office. “This was part of the discussions we had leading up to the choice to include him on the roster.
“I thought he performed well yesterday and just want to monitor his physical condition. But he’ll be prepared to hit and play whenever needed.”
In Game 2, right-handers Kevin Gausman from Toronto and Yoshinobu Yamamoto from Los Angeles were scheduled to pitch.
Schneider also announced that Max Scherzer would take the mound for Game 3 at Dodger Stadium on Monday. Shane Bieber is slated to start Game 4 on Tuesday.
Should it be necessary, the Dodgers will host Game 5 on Wednesday. If Games 6 and 7 are required, they will take place in Toronto.
In Game 1, Bichette recorded a single in the first inning and grounded into a double play in the third. He began the Blue Jays’ significant nine-run sixth inning with a walk before being substituted by Kiner-Falefa.
Bichette concluded the season with a .311 batting average, leading Toronto with 181 hits.
